Adequacy of Dialysis
Click here to see Network 8 hemodialysis adequacy performance.
According to the K/DOQI guidelines, while life expectancy for the general population in the United States exceeds that of other industrialized nations, life expectancy for ESRD patients falls below that of other countries. On average, the five-year survival probability for all incident (new start) patients is only 38%. For this same group of patients that are age 65 and older, the five-year survival probability drops to 18%. Several reasons for the shortened lifespan of dialysis patients in the US have been theorized, not the least of which is differences in delivery of dialysis. While many factors impact both the quality and quantity of life for dialysis patients, it is widely accepted that increased mortality strongly correlates with inadequate dialysis. To assist with the identification of factors leading to inadequate dialysis, the following tools are available. As always, please contact the Network 8, Inc. QI department if more information or assistance is needed.
Tools and Resources
- Link to Renal Web Adequacy Resources
- KDOQI Adequacy Guidelines - 2006 update. Please see appendix E for detailed interventions for sub-optimal adequacy outcomes.
- Link to K/DOQI adequacy intervention
- Post BUN sampling procedure: Stop Pump Technique Poster
- Post BUN sampling procedure: Slow Flow Technique Poster
- Adequacy fishbone diagram
- Sample adequacy QAPI plan
